The Allegrini family estate covers 120 hectares of vineyard in the heart of the Valpolicella Classico area. The family has been growing grapes here for six generations, but the estate in its current form was founded by Giovanni Allegrini. When he passed away in 1983, it passed to his three children, who ran it together until Walter’s death in July 2003. Franco now looks after the vineyards and is the winemaker, and Marilisa is director of marketing.

Vineyards

The south-east facing vineyards are located in the heart of the Valpolicella Classico region, on quality hillside sites at 180-280 metres above sea level. The volcanic soil has a high content of clay and calcareous. The vineyards are trained using the single Guyot system with 5,000 plants per hectare. The vines are 34 years old on average.

Vinification

70% Corvina, 30% Rondinella.

The hand-harvested grapes were destemmed before going through a soft-pressing. Fermentation occurred at 25-31C in temperature controlled stainless-steel tanks and lasted nine days. The wine was then held in stainless-steel tanks until bottling in mid-February, spending a further two months in bottle before release.

Tasting Notes

This wine is ruby red in colour. On the nose it shows aromas of mature red and black fruits, such as cherries and plums, with prominent notes of black pepper and aromatic herbs. A powerful, succulent Valpolicella accompanied by crisp acidity and a long, satisfying finish.